In Brief

• The Eaton Corporation is buying the Cheltenham-based electrohydraulic valve specialist Ultronics, for an undisclosed sum. Eaton sees the technology as an important strategic addition to its hydraulics portfolio. Ultronics also develops thin-film pressure sensor technologies through its Senstronics business.

• Phoenix Contact has moved its UK headquarters from Wokingham in Berkshire, to Telford. This follows a similar move of its automation and marketing operations three years ago. The new phone number is 01952 681700.

• SKF has bought the assets of Fixture Laser to become the exclusive UK distributor of the Fixturlaser range of equipment for aligning rotating machinery. The acquisition will become the Alignment Services business of SKF Reliability Systems in the UK.

• UK exports of machine tools from January to September 2003 were worth £290m - 2.9% more than in the same period in 2002 - according to figures released by the Manufacturing Technologies Association. Imports fell 12% to £311m, giving a trade deficit of £11.4m, compared to £60.4m for the same period in 2002.

• Following the closure of Warner Electric`s UK office, Bedfordshire-based DJ Automation Engineering, which was Warner`s largest UK distributor, says it can still supply 99% of Warner`s clutch and brake ranges, including wrap spring clutches and brakes.

• The sensor and measurement specialist, ASM UK has moved from Leicester to larger premises in Measham, Derbyshire. The phone number is still 0845 1222 123.